WallStSmart

CSX Corporation (CSX)vsVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

CSX Corporation generates 17% more annual revenue ($14.09B vs $12.00B). VRTX leads profitability with a 32.9% profit margin vs 20.5%. VRTX appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.19. VRTX earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 66/100 (B-).

CSX

Buy

53

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 2.0Profit: 8.0Value: 4.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: 1.20

VRTX

Strong Buy

66

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 9.0Value: 10.0Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 3.62
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

CSXSignificantly Overvalued (-294.8%)

Margin of Safety

-294.8%

Fair Value

$10.47

Current Price

$39.57

$29.10 premium

UndervaluedFair: $10.47Overvalued
VRTXUndervalued (+36.5%)

Margin of Safety

+36.5%

Fair Value

$716.04

Current Price

$454.97

$261.07 discount

UndervaluedFair: $716.04Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

CSX4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Operating MarginProfitability
32.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.7%

Market CapQuality
$73.58B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
20.5%9/10

Keeps 21 of every $100 in revenue as profit

VRTX6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Profit MarginProfitability
32.9%10/10

Keeps 33 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
39.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.6%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.6210/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$113.95B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Return on EquityProfitability
22.5%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 23 in profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.219/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Areas to Watch

CSX4 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
25.7x4/10

Moderate valuation

Debt/EquityHealth
1.433/10

Elevated debt levels

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
3.242/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

VRTX3 concerns · Avg: 3.7/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.194/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

P/E RatioValuation
29.3x4/10

Moderate valuation

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : CSX

The strongest argument for CSX centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 20.5% and operating margin at 32.7%.

Bull Case : VRTX

The strongest argument for VRTX centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Altman Z-Score. Profitability is solid with margins at 32.9% and operating margin at 39.6%.

Bear Case : CSX

The primary concerns for CSX are P/E Ratio, Debt/Equity, Piotroski F-Score.

Bear Case : VRTX

The primary concerns for VRTX are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Piotroski F-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

CSX profiles as a declining stock while VRTX is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

CSX carries more volatility with a beta of 1.26 — expect wider price swings.

VRTX is growing revenue faster at 9.5% — sustainability is the question.

CSX generates stronger free cash flow (709M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

VRTX scores higher overall (66/100 vs 53/100), backed by strong 32.9% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

CSX Corporation

INDUSTRIALS · RAILROADS · USA

CSX Corporation is an American holding company focused on rail transportation and real estate in North America, among other industries. Based in Richmond, Virginia, USA after the merger, in 2003 the CSX Corporation headquarters moved to Jacksonville, Florida.

Visit Website →

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc

HEALTHCARE · BIOTECHNOLOGY · USA

Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an American biopharmaceutical company based in Boston, Massachusetts.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?